Can Hamsters Get Wet? What Happens When They do!


syrian hamster in a bowl of water but can hamsters get wet

Many of us are used to bathing pets such as dogs to keep them clean and fresh but what about pocket rodents like hamsters? How do we encourage the highest sanitation standards to maintain good health?

This article answers the question “can hamsters get wet?” by looking at whether bathing is a good idea for them. We also analyze the effects of water on their fur and what steps are necessary when they accidentally get wet, if any. Let’s dive straight in, shall we?

Can Hamsters Get Wet?

Hamsters should never get wet because it removes their natural skin oils required for self-grooming. Water exposure can lead to cold, hypothermia, and respiratory infections like pneumonia which may pose different health risks for hamsters.

Getting accidentally exposed one time to water may not cause too many problems for your little guys as long as steps are taken to get them dried quickly. However, put in the necessary measures to ensure such incidents are not repeated.

What Happens if Hamsters Get Wet?

Getting wet can have multiple negative effects on hamsters and here are a few to watch out for.

Panic

Wild hamsters may be used to getting wet but the same cannot be said for the domesticated breeds. The feeling of water on their bodies could be extremely stressful for caged hamsters, increasing their anxiety levels and causing panic.

It is no secret that their bodies are fragile and the changes in temperature caused by water exposure may disturb their rhythm. The result is a hamster that looks and feels physically and psychologically unwell after getting wet.

Failure to dry their bodies quickly can result in their health taking a turn for the worse. You may need to book an emergency vet visit to seek treatment for your hamster.

Respiratory Attacks

Have you ever witnessed hamsters experiencing breathing difficulties? The result can be brutal, especially among elderly hamsters with weaker lungs and other health issues. Getting wet may expose your furry friends to a range of health complications including pneumonia.

Pneumonia is one of the major causes of death in hamsters thanks to its debilitating effects on their health and well-being. Symptoms often include labored breathing and lethargy as well as declined appetite and weight loss.

Hypothermia

extremely cold climate that can cause hypothermia

Getting wet can quickly decline the hamster’s body temperature resulting in hypothermia, a leading cause of death. Their fur acts as the main source of insulation against temperature changes and getting exposed to water robs them of that protection.

Once the fur gets wet, hamsters lose their main source of insulation which breaks their last line of defense against hypothermia. Their body temperature could drop rapidly which may be fatal unless quick action is taken.

How to Protect Your Hamster From Getting Wet

Hamsters should ideally go through a whole lifespan without getting wet and here are a few tips you can follow to make sure of that.

Ditch Water Bowls

Water bowls are one of the main ways hamsters’ furs get exposed to water. They love pacing up and down their cages when awake resulting in a high probability of knocking down the water bowls.

Keeping your pet rodents hydrated via water bottles is an easier and much cleaner option with a next to zero chance of getting wet. Whenever they’re thirsty, they simply walk to the water bottle location and sip from it.

If your hamsters are used to drinking from water bowls, it is time to introduce them to water bottles instead. You can train them to drink from the bottles by rubbing some peanut butter at the tip of the bottle for water to dispense when they try to eat it.

Always check water bottles a few times daily to rule out leakages which may also expose their bodies to water. If signs of leakages are spotted, replace the water bottle immediately but test first to be sure it functions properly with no leakage signs.

Choose the Right Bedding

multiple hamsters lying under sawdust may result in concerns like "Can You Put Too Much Bedding in A Hamster Cage?"

The right bedding can be crucial to minimizing the chances of your hamsters getting wet. We recommend paper bedding as it can be the best in terms of minimal moisture and odor trapping while providing maximum comfort during burrowing.

Also, change the bedding at least weekly to ensure continuous comfort for your furry friends while lowering the risks of moisture trapping which may lead to wet fur and resultant effects on their health.

If you notice that certain parts of the pocket rodent’s cages are trapping moisture even though there are no signs of water bottle leakages, consider switching to a new bedding type.

Choose the Right Hideout

Hideouts can also be another reason behind a hamster’s inexplicable wetness in their cages. Certain hideouts trap moisture by design and the higher the amount of time these furballs spend in there, the higher the probability of getting wet.

Many folks have reported some moisture in hideouts featuring plastic material from time to time so it is safe to assume that alternative options may be better. Wooden hideouts are the best in our opinion since they typically absorb moisture more effectively.

We recommend choosing hideouts designed to expel moisture with several outlets spread across different sides to minimize the risks of moisture accumulation. Fortunately, wood is highly breathable and should offer maximum protection against the risks of moisture.

Keep The Hamster Close to The Cage

Imagine your hamsters accidentally escaping your grasp after taking them to the beach or poolside. What are their chances of survival after falling into a swimming pool or even the ocean? This is why playing with them close to the cage can be such a great idea.

Hamsters need some time out from their cages regularly but that should not be to the detriment of their health and well-being. Situations that may expose them to water are best avoided for the sake of their own safety.

Many in the hamster community recommend bathrooms as one of the coolest places for these furry friends when the weather gets too hot. If you decide to go down that route, make sure their cages are placed on an elevated surface such as a table to minimize the risks of getting wet from leaking pipes.

Never Let Kids Handle Hamsters Unsupervised

kids playing with hamster unsupervised

Kids love hamsters and enjoy spending as much time with them as possible. However, they may not understand the significance of keeping them away from the water which explains why allowing them to handle hamsters without supervision is not advisable.

If you must leave the kids at home with pet rodents, return them to their cages first to minimize the risks of stunts that may end up getting them wet.

How Come Hamsters Don’t Need a Bath?

Hamsters have no need to bathe because they naturally self-clean their fur to get rid of dirt and anything that might cause odors. This can be confusing for first-time hamster parents who are used to bathing other pets like dogs.

However, there are stark differences between these pocket rodents and canines. Firstly, dogs have no issues with water and can swim through without problems because their body temperatures remain stable even when they are wet.

Secondly, dogs have no natural self-cleaning abilities and failure to give them regular baths may lead to problems ranging from bacterial to mite infestations and even pungent body odors.

In contrast, hamsters do not get as dirty as other pets due to the texture of their fur which repels various unsavory stuff. The fur also contains powerful natural oils that promote self-cleaning while eliminating potential odors that may arise.

Besides, hamsters do not have the same abilities to withstand temperature changes within short periods, unlike other pets. Getting wet can send shivers down their spine resulting in shaking and rapid drops in temperature which could turn fatal.

Hamsters are much safer and healthier when protected from getting wet and fortunately, they have no need for it too. Clean sandbaths can be another solid option for grooming because their fur get cleaner as they play in the sand.

Conclusion: Can Hamsters Get Wet?

Hamsters should never get wet because the effects can be terrible for their physical and emotional well-being. Not only does wet fur cause significant temperature drops but it may also lead to anxiety and panic attacks.

Getting wet can also cause hamsters to lose natural oils in their fur that enables them to self-clean to eliminate dirt and potential body odors. In severe cases, hypothermia and even death may result from the shock of water on their bodies.

Hamsters should be quickly dried and placed in environments where they can get warm immediately after exposure to water. This should counteract the effects of wet skins and potential complications that may arise.

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